Four young people have died in a road crash in Co Tipperary, Irish police have said.

The male driver, who was in his early 20s, and three female teenage passengers, were killed in the incident.

One car was involved in the tragedy which happened close to Clonmel on Friday evening.

The victims are all understood to be from the local area.

It is thought they had been on their way to celebrate after receiving the results of their Leaving Certificate exams earlier.

Education minister Simon Harris TD said there was “grief, shock and sadness” after the “devastating” and “heartbreaking” incident.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Leaving Cert results day represents achievement, celebration and excitement.

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“Tonight that has been replaced by grief, shock and sadness. Thinking of the families, friends and school community of the four young people. There are no words. Heartbreaking.”

There was huge shock and disbelief in Clonmel town, according to Mattie McGrath, Independent TD for Tipperary.

“There is disbelief and numbness,” he said.

“The families involved are all local, from Clonmel and the surrounding area. It is utterly devastating. Our prayers are with the families and the whole community.”

Fine Gael councillor Declan Burgess said: “It’s heartbreaking news for the entire community.

“My prayers and thoughts are with the families involved.”

A Garda statement said: “Four young people have tonight lost their lives.”

A Garda spokesperson said the Mountain Road in Clonmel will be closed overnight and into Saturday while the scene is examined by forensic investigators.

The incident happened close to the entrance of Hillview Sports Club, RTE reported.

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